Kentucky Oversize Load Signs and Flags: When You Need Them and What Size
Table Of Contents
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Introduction
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The Short Answer
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Warning Flags: Size and Color
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Where the Flags Go
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When You Need "OVERSIZE LOAD" Signs
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Sign Size and Lettering
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Where the Signs Go
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Lights for Front Overhang
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Escort Vehicle Signs and Lights
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service
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FAQ
Introduction
An oversize load has to be seen before it is passed, met, or followed. That is why Kentucky does not stop at issuing a permit. It also tells carriers exactly how to mark the load with flags, signs, and in some cases lights.
The rules depend on the load. A wide load, a long load, and a load with front overhang each have their own marking needs, and some loads need signs while others only need flags. This guide explains the requirements in 601 KAR 1:018, Section 11, so every move on a Kentucky Oversize Permit is marked the right way.
The Short Answer
Every vehicle and load on a Kentucky Oversize Permit must display red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18 inches square, under 601 KAR 1:018, Section 11(1).
Signs are needed for some loads only. Under Section 11(2), a vehicle exceeding twelve (12) feet in width or having a front overhang shall display two (2) warning signs reading "OVERSIZE LOAD" in black letters on a yellow background.
Warning Flags: Size and Color
Section 11(1) says flags shall be displayed on each vehicle and load operating under the provisions of an overweight or overdimensional permit. The flags must be:
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Red or orange fluorescent.
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At least 18 inches square.
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Displayed on every permitted vehicle and load, not just the widest ones.
Small, faded, or torn flags don't meet the rule. Replace them before the trip.
Where the Flags Go
The placement depends on how the load is oversized:
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Overwidth: under Section 11(1)(a), four warning flags, one at each of the four corners. If part of the load sticks out beyond the corners, additional flags go at the widest points of the load.
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Overlength or rear overhang: under Section 11(1)(b), two warning flags are placed to show the maximum width at the extreme rear of the vehicle or load.
A load that is both wide and long needs both sets of flags.
When You Need "OVERSIZE LOAD" Signs
Not every load on a Kentucky Oversize Permit needs signs. Under Section 11(2), two warning signs are required when:
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The vehicle is more than 12 feet wide, or
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The vehicle has front overhang.
For example, an 11-foot-wide load with no front overhang needs flags but not signs. A 13-foot-wide load needs both.
Sign Size and Lettering
Kentucky's sign rules are specific:
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Width: 6 to 8 feet wide, under Section 11(2)(a).
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Wording: "OVERSIZE LOAD."
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Colors: black letters on a yellow background.
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Letter height: at least 18 inches high, under Section 11(2)(b).
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Brush stroke: at least 1.4 inches wide.
These letters are larger than many carriers expect, so a sign that is legal in another state may be too small for Kentucky.
Where the Signs Go
Under Section 11(2)(c), a warning sign is displayed at the:
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Front of the Power Unit.
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Rear of the Towed Unit.
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Or Rear of the Load.
Make sure the signs are clean, flat, and not hidden by chains, straps, or the load itself.
Lights for Front Overhang
The front overhang brings an extra rule. Under Section 11(3), if a front overhang exceeds ten (10) feet, an amber strobe or flashing light must be placed on the power unit of the towing vehicle and in use while the power unit is in operation.
Section 11(4) also requires the lighting devices and reflectors in 49 C.F.R. 393.11 for pole trailers and projecting loads.
Keep in mind that under Section 9(1), a front overhang on a combination vehicle shall be prohibited, so this rule mainly affects single vehicles.
Escort Vehicle Signs and Lights
If your move needs escorts, they have marking rules too:
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Lead escort sign: under Section 13(2), an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign must be on the lead escort, visible to oncoming traffic, for a vehicle and load more than 12 feet wide.
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Escort lights: under Section 13(1)(b), an escort vehicle must have amber strobe lights or flashing lights.
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Headlamps: under Section 13(1)(c), the escort must keep its headlamps lit during transit.
Under Section 11(5), the Division of Motor Carriers may also require additional lighting or warning flags as a special provision of the permit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using small flags. Flags must be at least 18 inches square.
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Skipping rear flags on long loads. Overlength loads and rear overhangs need two rear flags.
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Using a small sign. Signs must be 6 to 8 feet wide with 18-inch letters.
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Forgetting signs at 12 feet wide. Over 12 feet requires two signs.
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No amber light for long front overhang. Over 10 feet requires one on the power unit.
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Ignoring special provisions. Your permit may require extra lights or flags.
Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service
Kentucky Trucking Online gets your Kentucky Oversize Permit and reminds you which flags, signs, lights, and escorts your load needs, so you're ready before the truck rolls. Our oversize permit service is $97.
We provide support 24/7 and also work weekends and holidays.
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FAQ
What size flags does a Kentucky oversize load need?
Red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18 inches square.
When does a Kentucky oversize load need signs?
When it is more than 12 feet wide or has a front overhang.
What size must the OVERSIZE LOAD sign be?
6 to 8 feet wide, with black letters at least 18 inches high on a yellow background.
When is an amber light required?
When the front overhang is more than 10 feet, on the power unit of the towing vehicle.
How much does your Kentucky Oversize Permit service cost?
Our Kentucky Oversize Permit service is $97.
For more information, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.